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Summary for 2811 S MCCLELLAN ST S / Parcel ID 6725700052 / Inv #

Historic Name: Common Name:
Style: Modern - Contemporary Neighborhood: North Rainier Valley
Built By: Year Built: 1965
 
Significance
Built in 1965, this building was designed by architect, Howard Dong, and owned by Marbar Corp. By 1965 through 1968, Vern J. Coulon, a real estate agent, and Dorothea K. Parcheski, a real estate agent, occupied the building, according to the Polk directory. The North Rainier Valley consists of a depression created by glaciation between the ridges of Beacon Hill and Mount Baker. The valley derives its name from Mount Rainier because of stunning views of the mountain. The area’s growth followed the early streetcar line, which was completed to Columbia City in 1890. The North Rainier Valley includes the area north of Columbia City and contained many early vegetable farms. Commercial development followed along the streetcar line, with housing built nearby. During the first decades of the 20th century, the area between Massachusetts and Atlantic Streets was home to Seattle’s largest Italian enclave, “Garlic Gulch.” Dugdale Ball Park opened on the corner of Rainier Avenue and McClellan Street in 1913, and was succeeded by Sick’s Stadium in 1938. World War II precipitated a surge in housing development, including the public housing project, Rainier Vista, in 1943. Following the war, the area attracted a mix of African-Americans, Asians, and Filipinos. Today this diverse, low-to-middle income neighborhood is unique within Seattle with its long narrow form focused on the Rainier Avenue transportation corridor.
 
Appearance
Built in 1965, this compact, Modern style office building stands on a rectangular lot. The building is oriented to South McClellan Street on a sloped site at street level. This 2257 square foot, single-story building with a partial basement features a rectangular plan, measuring approximately 52’ by 35’. A poured concrete foundation supports the wood frame, flagstone and wood siding clad superstructure. A shed roof with projecting eaves and exposed rafters shelters the building. Large single-pane fixed sash windows provide day lighting. Wood decks extend off either side of the building. The building’s overall composition, form and function set it apart as unique within the North Rainier Valley neighborhood.

Detail for 2811 S MCCLELLAN ST S / Parcel ID 6725700052 / Inv #

Status: Yes - Inventory
Classication: Building District Status:
Cladding(s): Other Foundation(s): Concrete - Poured
Roof Type(s): Flat Roof Material(s): Unknown
Building Type: Plan: Rectangular
Structural System: Unknown No. of Stories: one
Unit Theme(s):
Integrity
Changes to Plan: Intact
Changes to Windows: Intact
Changes to Original Cladding: Intact
Major Bibliographic References
City of Seattle DCLU Microfilm Records.
King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972), Washington State Archives.
Polk's Seattle Directories, 1890-1996.
City of Seattle. Survey of City-Owned Historic Resources. Prepared by Cathy Wickwire, Seattle, 2001. Forms for Ravenna Park structures.
Tobin, Caroline. (2004) "North Rainier Valley Historic Context Statement."

Photo collection for 2811 S MCCLELLAN ST S / Parcel ID 6725700052 / Inv #


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